Online Banking
Home > Member Center > Youth & Teen Resources > College & Financial Aid

College & Financial Aid

Planning for the costs of college requires a significant investment of time and money. We're hopeful that your family is already saving through a 529 college savings plan or custodial account, such as a Coverdell Education Savings Account. Here are other federal and private benefactors who are interested in financing dreams of a postsecondary education.

  • Federal Student Aid:

    Research various federal financial aid options to cover tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation.

  • FAFSA:

    Free Application for Federal Student Aid is essential for providing money to eligible families. FAFSA partners with postsecondary schools, financial institutions and others to deliver services.

  • Student Choice

  • HESC:

    The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation manages more than 18 grant and scholarship programs, including the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), the nation's largest state grant.

  • FinAid:

    This comprehensive, informative and objective resource is an ideal starting point for students researching financial aid options.

  • The College Board:

    The College Board provides students a path to college opportunities, including financial support and scholarships.

  • FastWeb:

    This company matches the information in your profile to scholarship opportunities from their database of more than 1.5 million scholarships worth more than $3.4 billion.

  • NYSFAA:

    The New York State Financial Aid Administrators Association is a charitable, volunteer association of financial aid professionals advocating for equal access to postsecondary education.

  • Your Social Security number and driver's license number
  • W-2 forms and other records of income
  • Your federal income tax return (and your spouse's, if you're married)
  • Your parents' federal income tax return (if you're a dependent student)
  • Your untaxed income records, including Social Security, welfare, veterans benefits records, etc.
  • Current Empower account statements
  • Current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm, stocks, bonds and other investment information

  • Stay organized by creating folders for each college, form and/or scholarship and keep copies of necessary forms/applications easily accessible
  • Visit your high school's website, guidance office and career center for assistance
  • Obtain recommendations early; you'll need at least two or three when applying
  • Stay in touch with your college of choice to determine what you will qualify for and receive financially

Auto Center

What do you want out of life?

Empower Federal Credit Union welcomes employees of many companies, immediate family/household members of employees and retirees, as well as our outreach to underserved communities to enjoy personal and business banking solutions including auto loans, mortgages*, credit cards and more. Bank online, in any central NY branch, or call us at 315.477.2200.

* Home mortgages available in FL, PA, CT, NY, NC, SC and TN.

Empower Federal Credit Union rated 5-Stars by Bauer in 2023  Best Companies to work for New York 2023 Logo2023 Winner of Best Companies to Work for in New York State